Jon Lewis of Minneapolis:
Pick Six: Praise for Jeremy Messersmith, Connie Evingson, Aimee Mann, Lee Fields, Lucinda Williams
Pick Six is a half-dozen cool things in music, from two points of view.
May 11, 2017 at 10:28PM
1 Jeremy Messersmith's streaming performances of his recent album, "11 Obscenely Optimistic Songs for Ukulele." The locations range from Mears Park in St. Paul and Snake Alley in Burlington, Iowa, to Mount Prospect Park in Brooklyn and the Bronze Fonz in Milwaukee, and they provide a somewhat surreal, but always charming, backdrop.
2 Connie Evingson, Dunsmore Room. She performed music from the Ella Fitzgerald songbook in honor of Ella's 100th birthday. Wonderful music, beautifully sung, with great support from pianist Jon Weber, bassist Gordy Johnson and saxophonist Dave Karr. Great venue, great evening.
3 Aimee Mann, the Fitzgerald. She offered songs from her beautiful, tuneful, insightful new album, "Metal Illness." A great storyteller at the top of her game.
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Jon Bream of the Star Tribune:
1 Lucinda Williams, First Avenue. She played her 1992 album "Sweet Old World" in its entirety, updating a couple of songs and adding a few outtakes. Then Williams tore into old faves including "Essence" and "Joy."
2 Lee Fields, Richmond, Va. He headlined the first in a series of $5 Friday night concerts on an island in the James River, under a freeway overpass. The veteran soul man is the right combo of gritty singer and charming showman. The series will also feature Conor Oberst, Car Seat Headrest and Galactic. This kind of series would be perfect for the Twin Cities.
3 Bob Gulledge, Byrd Theatre, Richmond, Va. On Saturday nights at this 1928 movie house, he plays a mighty Wurlitzer organ before films. It was a treat to hear instrumental renditions of "Ain't Misbehavin'," "Yesterday" and "Cabaret" before a $3 second-run flick.
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Critics’ picks for entertainment in the week ahead.
